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Il Sentiero
Surrounded by the greenery of the Vesuvio National Park, at a height of 500 meters, lies Il Sentiero,
a tourist structure with its 45,000 square meters of wild area that extends between the volcanic
rocks and the splendid setting of the Gulf of Naples. It is the perfect place for those who like to
explore the natural resources of the Vesuvio National Park, who enjoy hiking through the many paths
that lead up to the top of the volcano and also for those who dream of visiting the archaeological
excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Thanks to its planners and designers who have created a perfect symbiosis with the landscape, the
creation of Il Sentiero has been sponsored by the Vesuvius National Park Board.
Tourist reception
Il Sentiero is a 3-star hotel on four levels:
the main floor houses the reception, the bar, the restaurant and a wide terrace surrounded by
greenery, from where you can admire a unique view that extends from the Sorrento Peninsula to the
islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida;
on the first and second floor there are eight guest rooms, all very scenic.
The third floor houses a large solarium, from where you can admire a 360∞ panorama.
The hotel has a very big parking space for cars, buses and campers.
Rooms
The rooms of the hotel all have a fascinating scenery:
the Gulf of Naples or the crater of Mount Vesuvius.
All of them are spacious and offer every kind of comfort:
private bathroom with shower, color TV, telephone, minibar, air conditioning.
Park and activities
The outdoor area, which consist of 45,000 square meters of vegetation, goes up to the border of
the National Park protected area. Here you can find all typical plants and trees of the area such as
pine trees, acacia trees, oaks, holm oaks, maple trees, brooms and even hawthorn bushes and
several varieties of ferns. It has a horsemanship, a pic-nic area, a playground for children, a natural
path, a cycling trail for mountain bikes and a multipurpose field with side stands.
Walking along the natural path it is possible to admire the petrified lava rocks in various shapes that
look like genuine sculptures. For this reason these paths can be used as didactic itineraries.
The area also has a large outdoor spaces good for meetings and events.
Location
Il Sentiero is located at 7 km from Naples, on the way that leads up to Mount Vesuvius's crater, at a
height of 500 metres.
It is :
7 km far from Naples;
1 km far from downtown Herculaneum;
2 km far from highway A3;
3 km far from from connections to the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno, to Capri, Ischia and
Procida;
2 km far from Herculaneum archaeological excavations;
20 km far from Pompeii;
50 km far from Sorrento and the Amalfi coast.
Main connections
By plane:
from the airport of Naples you can take a taxi or a bus (Alibus-Aereoporto -Stazione Centrale -Porto)
to the Stazione Centrale in Piazza Garibaldi. From here take the Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento/
Poggiomarino/ Torre Annunziata to Ercolano. Here you can take the public bus n∞5, which takes you
to 50 meters from Il Sentiero. On demand it is possible to have a shuttle service to the hotel.
By car:
from Naples take the A3 highway Napoli-Salerno and exit at Ercolano (Il Sentiero is 2 km far from the
exit)
By train:
from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi take the Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento/ Poggiomarino/ Torre
Annunziata to Ercolano.
On demand, Il Sentiero is able to provide transportation services for individuals or groups.
Itineraries and surroundings
The structure is few kilometers far from the main tourist destinations. In addition to the archaeological
excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and the splendid eighteenth centuries Villas which in spring
and summer time are often the centre of cultural events, concerts and literary meetings, Il Sentiero
allows you to visit the Parthenopean capital easily, because it is only 7 km far from it.
Thanks to an efficient network of connections by sea, you can reach not only the islands of Capri,
Ischia and Procida, but even the most beautiful places of the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi coast,
like Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
Vesuvius and the National Park
Mount Vesuvius, in traditional views of Naples, has the same profile, but its look has changed over
time.
The explosion of '79 A.D that destroyed the cities of Herculaneum, Stabiae, and Pompeii, probably
gave birth to the structure of Vesuvius out from Mount Somma. Since then, several times after an
eruption, the mountain appeared different in shape and height. In 1631 and in 1906 the volcano was
reduced in height, while in 1944 the lava rose to about 100 meters. That eruption also caused the
disappearance of the cone, which was present in all the photographs of the early years of the 900th.
Vesuvius consists of an external truncated cone, the extinct Mount Somma, with a crateric perimeter
which has been
mainly destroyed and in which there is a smaller cone represented by Vesuvius, which is still active.
The territory,
rich in historical-naturalistic beauties, boasts of a unique agricultural production for the great variety
and originality of its tastes.
Vesuvio National Park, of great geological and historical interest, has been established in order to
safeguard the values of the territory, to allow a correct integration between man and environment
and to promote environmental education and scientific research activities. The Park was also born
from the need to defend the most famous volcano in the world.
Vesuvio National Park is provided with a network which is articulated into 15 trails: they allow tourists
to enjoy the beauty and the peculiarity of the whole volcanic complex Somma-Vesuvio and to
experience the direct contact with the magic of the surrounding landscape.
There are some ring-routes called "sentieri natura" whose difficulty depends on the training level of
tourists.
There are also some uphill panoramic trails to reach the crater of Gran Cono, an educational and an
agricultural trail.
Each trail is well-signalled and provided with information panels dealing with the features of the route,
its geological,
historical and natural characteristics. As far as the safety of these trails is concerned, new techniques,
which do not damage the environment, have been exploited.
Inside the National Park there are 906 vegetables species and 44 animal species.
Vesuvius Observatory
It was built during the reign of Ferdinand II of Bourbon between 1841 and 1845 on the side of an old
building called "Eremo", where travellers used to stop before climbing the mountain. The king, who
was a man of culture, was sensitive to the need for more advanced study and systematic
observations of the volcano activity and vulcanology in general. The historical building of the Vesuvius
Observatory is located at 600 m asl, and it has survived some notable eruptions (in 1850,1855,
1861, 1868, 1872, 1906, 1929, 1944) without being damaged. It was built on the southern border
of the Somma caldera, between two deep valleys bordering the hill. These valleys have now been
filled by the lava flows of the above-mentioned eruptions. Since 1983, the National Group for
Vulcanology has encouraged research in the geological structure of the volcano, and improved its
monitoring. The only evident exterior activities are the steam fumaroles inside the crater of Vesuvius,
in the Phlegrean Fields and on the isle of Ischia.
In the historical building of the Vesuvius Observatory there is a volcanological museum where old
instruments are on display. The exhibition takes the visitor on a fascinating tour through the world of
volcanoes. It starts off with a description of the various types of eruption and how dangerous they
are, and finishes with observation, in real time, of seismic and geochemical data recorded by the
Vesuvius Observatory surveillance team. And everything is brought to life with the aid of video clips,
illustrations, collections of rocks and minerals, historical instruments, books, paintings. It is also
possible to look through the cameraís eye deep into the craters of Vesuvius, Etna, Vulcano and
Stromboli. One of the Observatory guides will show visitors round.
The entrance is free.
La Valle del Gigante
Mount Vesuvius is separeted from Mount Somma by a depression called Valle del Gigante, a part of
the ancient caldera where subsequently, probably during the 79 AD eruption, the Gran Cono or
Vesuvius arose.
Valle del Gigante is divided into two parts: Atrio del Cavallo in the West, and Valle dell'Inferno in the
East.
La Valle dell' Inferno
The last eruption of 1944 has left inside the Valle dell'Inferno (Hell's lobby) a magic species of
fruticose lichen known as "Stereocaulon vesuvianum". It offers one of the most enchanting natural
thrilling spectacles of the world: during the full moon nights the lava, totally covered by these
"pioneer" lichens, becomes literally luminescent with a silvery reflection.
Herculaneum excavation
Ancient tradition connected Herculaneum with the name of the Greek hero Herakles (Hercules in Latin
and consequently Roman Mythology), an indication that the city was of Greek origin.
It is the Greeks who named the city Herculaneum.
After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the town of Herculaneum was buried under
approximately 20 meters (50-60 feet) of lava, mud and ash.
For 1700 years the town stayed buried until it was accidentally discovered by some workers digging
a well in 1709. They discovered a wall which was later found to be one of the stages of the ancient
theatre.
Later, there were many human skeletons uncovered at the ancient shoreline, suggesting that
numerous inhabitants attempted to escape but perished when mountains collapsed and volcanic
gases were released. From there, the excavation process began but is still incomplete.
Regular excavations were started later under the patronage of Carlo III Borbone and numerous
buildings and manufacts were uncovered. The special condition under which Herculaneum was buried
preserved most of the buildings and this offers a detailed information about the life of the old
inhabitants of the Naples coast.
MAV (Museo Archeologico Virtuale)
Just a short distance from the Herculaneum archaeological site, MAV ñ Museo Archeologico Virtuale ñ
Museum of Virtual Archaeology ñ attempts to give life, initially availing itself of just torsos and ruins,
to the dreams of those who first imagined the life of an ancient city. As a continuity to what
archaeology has already prefigured in the history of its research, the project of this museum is to try
and trace an image of the past thanks to the paths opened up by new technology.
If in the depths of a ruin one hopes to discover a lost past then in the depths of a museum those
dreams, which have meanwhile become reconstructive hypothesises, take on a likely image to be
shared with the public.
MAV project is well-known for its beautiful and accurate virtual reconstructions of ancient Roman
cities in the Vesuvian area.
MAV proposes itself as a cultural and technological centre able to compete with the most advanced
international museums.
Join the worldís first Virtual Archeological Museum, complete your travel experience with an all-
encompassing journey into the life and culture of Vesuvian and Flegrean towns prior to the eruption
of Mount Vesuvio in 79 A.D.
A unique experience in one of the worldís most beautiful and vast archeological sites..
More than forty recontructions, virtual reality views and holograms capture and bring to life voices,
sounds, places and scents that had been lost in the past. Travel down a path where technology brings
the ancient world to life in all its glory and in a whole new light.
Pompeii excavations
Pompeii is a ruined and partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples, in the territory of the
comune of Pompei.
Along with Herculaneum, its sister city, Pompeii was destroyed, and completely buried, during a long
catastrophic eruption
of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines and buried Pompeii under many meters of ash and pumice,
and it was lost for nearly 1700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its
excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the
Roman Empire. Today, it is both one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with 2,571,725
visitors in 2007, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The excavations of Pompeii show a completely preserved wealthy city, which impresses by its size,
numerous wonderful houses, temples, public buildings, wall paintings, and thermal springs. Some of
the most important findings were taken to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
One collection known as the Garden of the Fugitives shows thirteen adults and children huddled
together, trying to shield themselve from the destructing attack. There are women, arms stretched
forward to stop the gas. Others have their mouths open, protecting their children but the ash was too
quick. It is terrifying to see the anguish of the victims in their last seconds of life.
Pompeii was a haven for many wealthy Romans, and so the rich remains hold a certain fascination for
us today. Many of the frescos still seem fresh, and the restored mosaic floors are spectacular. It's
hard to believe, as we extrapolate backwards from the technology explosion we've experienced over
the short period of our lifetimes, that over two millennia ago people were living in houses and
apartments of a type that we wouldn't mind living in today.
Vesuvian Villas and the Golden Mile
The territory that extends at the foot of Vesuvio, is very rich in splendid villas dating from the 18th
century and constructed after the Bourbon King Carlo installed himself in the Palace at Portici. These
homes have great historic/artistic relevance. The construction of the Vesuvian Villas was carried out
by some of the most famous architects of the Baroque period. Authentic stars of architecture at the
time, they built a handful of magnificent Patrician villas around the royal family residence. Some of
these can be visited today. Artists and architects were elated by the natural beauty of the area and
created residences that are absolute jewels and are set between the sea and the green mountain of
Vesuvius with gardens, balconies, and cupolas in perfect harmony and seeming like stage settings. All
of the Vesuvian Villas show examples that are typical of the taste and style of the Baroque and
Rococo styles and have interiors that are richly decorated with frescoes and plaster-work of the
highest quality of the period.Painted ceilings, magnificent artwork and wall decorations that often
depict scenes, views, and landscapes of the area surrounding the villas.
The term Golden Mile was used to indicate the stretch of road between Herculaneum Archaeological
Ruins and Torre del Greco. Nowadays the same term is used to indicate the area where all the
beautiful eighteenth century villas are located.
The most famous Vesuvian Villas of the Golden Mile are:
Villa Campolieto,Villa Signorini, Villa Ruggiero and Villa Favorita.
Villa Campolieto
Approaching Ercolano let's not miss a visit to Villa Campolieto, which regained its original
magnificence, after some restoration works made thanks to the ente Ville Vesuviane (Organisam
protecting Vesuvian Villas), that purchased it. This villa was built on 1755 by will of Luzio de Sangro,
duke of Casacalenda and prince of Campolieto, who entrusted Mario Gioffredo for the works. The
works of the Villa were followed by Michelangelo Giustiniani, and finally finished by Luigi Vanvitelli. The
main building structure of the villa is connected to an amazing elliptic parvis. The hallway, houses a
spectacular and monumental access staircase, recalling the same hallway situated in the Reggia di
Caserta (Caserta Royal Building). From the big entry hallway on the street, it is possible to reach the
Rotonda (round terrace), characterized by arches and pillars of Tuscan style order, creating a two
level walk, together with the upper terrace. The upper floor hallway is covered by a dome and it is
decorated by an upper door with medallions representing the Quattro Stagioni con scene mitologiche
(The Four seasons with mythological representations).
On this floor there are the noble apartment rooms. Here there is a big space covered by a circular
vault, overlooking the Vesuvio, where frescos of the quadraturisti (artists keen of squared angles and
shapes) piacentini (from Piacenza city) are still visible, with colonnades in perspective where the
statues of Minerva and Mercurio are framed. We finally reach the big parties hall, with mythological
representations.
The entrance is free.
The Royal Palace in Portici
The Royal Palace was built in Portici by will of King Charles of Bourbon in 1738.
Originally designed as summer residence of the Court, the Royal Palace then became royal residence
and the seat of the Herculaneum Museum wanted by King Charles to exhibit the objects excavated at
Herculaneum (and therefore Portici became one of the destinations of the Grand Tour).
The Palace has a superb facade with wide terraces and balustrades, and it is formed by an upper part
and a lower part divided by a vast yard crossed by the old ìRoyal Road of Calabriaî, presently called
University Avenue.
The entrance hall leads to the first floor through a magnificent staircase along which there are
statues coming from Herculaneum; also the floors of some rooms were realised by using mosaics
coming from the excavations of Vesuvian cities.
At the first floor, we find the Hall of the Guards and the Hall of the Throne, which still have part of the
original decorations; an office in Louis XV style and an office in the Chinese style both with floors from
Herculaneum.
Also the wonderful baroque chapel keeps two red marble columns used to realise the altar and
coming from the stage of the theatre in Herculaneum.
Pietrarsa National Railway Museum
Well-known to have been the first Italian railroad, the line Portici ñ Naples was built to connect the
capital with the royal palace.
The initial line was a single track of 7.25 kilometres (4.5 mi).
It was inaugurated on the 4th October 1839.
The locomotive, called "Vesuviana", was built in Naples with pieces from England and was able to run
since 60 Km/h.
In 1854 the Czar Nicholas I of Russia, visiting the workshops, asked the plan of the factory to
reproduce it in his country.
The definitive closure of these workshops in 1975 was partly due to the need, a few years later, to
ascertain which of the rooms were still usable for the realisation of the National Railway Museum.
In 1980 work began to renovate the vast area, situated between the railway, on the one side, and
the sea on the other.
Once the restoration work was complete the locomotives now display were transported to Pietrarsa
from all over the country.
These have been restored by State Railway technicians and workers.
Creator Vesevo
Creator Vesevo is an outdoor museum that was inaugurated in 2005 in the National Park of
Mt.Vesuvius.
The ten sculptures by the same number of famous artists were formed out of basalt that has once
flown as lava
from the crater of the volcano.
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